Vilanova leaves hospital after cancer surgery

Barcelona coach Tito Vilanova was released from hospital on Saturday, just 48 hours after undergoing cancer surgery.

The 44-year-old needed an operation on Thursday to remove a tumour from a salivary gland.

"Given a quick post-surgery recovery Tito Vilanova has been allowed to leave hospital on Saturday afternoon. The Barca coach was operated on Thursday according to plan", read a brief statement from the club.

Vilanova will now face around six weeks of radiotherapy and chemotherapy.

Jordi Roura was taking charge of Barcelona in the absence of Vilanova with the Liga leaders taking on Valladolid on Saturday.